Breaking News

Tough choice among keepers for Tinkler

Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler says he had a tough task choosing between three goalkeepers, although it is Felipe Ovono who will keep goal for the club in the African Confederation Cup final later this month.

“It’s a tough task that I have because ultimately I have three good goalkeepers although one is not available due to injury right now,” said Tinkler of Brighton Mhlongo, who has been the first choice at the club until he got hurt in August and underwent knee surgery.

“Siya Mpontshane expects to play because where he comes from (Platinum Stars) he was the No 1. Ovono expects to play, he is an international player.

“So it’s been about me finding the right time to rotate them and give them all opportunities.”

Tinkler used Mpontshane in the two matches against Kaizer Chiefs at Soccer City, when they won 3-1 in the league last weekend and in the Telkom Knockout semifinal defeat on penalties this past Saturday.

But in between the two derbies he gave Ovono game time in the 2-1 away win over Ajax Cape Town where the Equatorial Guinea international was named man of the match.

Ovono is the only available goalkeeper for Pirates in the Confederation Cup after Mhlongo’s injury as Mpontshane was not registered.